Football: New York Stadium set to host European final

Following Wednesday's League One play-off semi-final, New York Stadium is now set to stage the Euro under-17 Championship final: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.

Jonty Colman

Published:00:00Saturday 19 May 2018

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Italy captain Alessio Riccardi is hoping to emulate his idol Francesco Totti when he leads he side out in tomorrow’s under-17 European Championships final.

The Italians will take on the Netherlands at Rotherham United, where they will aim to go one better than their second-place finish in 2013.

Roma legend Francesco Totti: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.

The 17-year-old is currently an integral part of Roma’s academy and has benefitted from several training sessions with their first team.

Roma have a great history of producing talented players through their academy who have gone on to star for The Azzuri, such as Daniele De Rossi and Totti, who Riccardi has always looked up to.

“Francesco Totti is my idol,” he said. “He is a Roma flag and it’s difficult to emulate his playing. De Rossi plays in a different role, but they are both great champions from my club and I am really inspired by them.

“I want my future to be like them; Roma is my club, it is the city I was born and where I grew up. I hope in the future to do the same thing.”

Carmine Nunziata’s side booked their place in Sunday’s final after a 2-1 victory over Belgium in Rotherham on Thursday, with Manu Emmanuel Gyabuaa and Edoardo Vergani scoring either side of half time.

Despite captaining his nation at this tournament, the Riccardi was forced to sit out of their semi-final victory over Belgium after receiving yellow cards during Italy’s matches against England and Sweden.

His absence in the last round left Riccardi downbeat, but it has only inspired him to make the most of his return to the final.

He added: “I was very upset to be out of the game during the semi-final against Belgium.

“I hope to give my best to get the result and win this European Championship.

“We have to be focussed on the match, then at the end, if we lift the trophy it will be a great satisfaction for all of the group.”

Leading out the Netherlands side will be Chelsea striker Daishawn Redan, who has netted three goals in his four appearances at the tournament.